Automated audio video messaging and answering system

ABSTRACT

The invention is an audio-video communication and answering system, where system&#39;s properties make it particularly suitable as a Digital Video Messaging System for, amongst other things, answering the door. The elements of the system are a DVMS outside module that is a wireless pocket PC with a proximity sensing, a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, a digital receiver, and a keypad; a computerized controller that is a personal computer with components for plaving and recording video and audio media; a DVMS inside module having a screen, a microphone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, a digital receiver, and a keypad; a wireless mode; and a DVMS database application with a graphic user interface. The computerized controller is in communication with a public switching telephone network enabling communication with remote peripheral devices, such as a cell phone, PDA, or computer. The system is based on the Microsoft Windows® Mobile 802.11b to coordinate communication between elements. The database application coordinates responses to prompts and events. The proximity sensor activates the system when the sensor detects the visitor&#39;s presence. This then starts a series of prompts and interaction prescribed by the application. The system includes an electrically actuated lock that can be actuated through a code entry or remotely. The system enables a visitor to communicate with an occupant either offsite or onsite, where the visitor never knows the occupant&#39;s location, unless the occupant discloses his location.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/418,384, filed on Oct. 15, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally a system for monitoring andinteracting with a visitor at a residence or business, and moreparticularly a system for detecting the presence of a visitor,interactively communicating therewith at a heightened level of security,enabling automated entry, and generally enhancing and personalizing theoverall process of receiving a visitor. The system utilizes newtechnology to synergistically improve messaging, communication, securityand create time saving advantages for both the visitor and the providerof the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous problems presently associated with receiving visitorsat a home or office. When the resident is absent, there is often nomessage for the visitors, no means to leave an interactive message forthe resident, and no means to ensure that unwanted access is notobtained. Moreover, answering the call of someone at a door of adwelling can present certain security risks to an occupant therein. Thissituation can be especially inconvenient when, for example, a deliveryor repair person arrives and the resident is not present. When theresident is present, on the other hand, there are also problemsassociated with receiving visitors. Some visitors may be unwelcome, forexample, and it is often not evident that a visitor is a threat or anannoyance until after the door is open and it is too late. In the past,there have been many intercom-type doorbell systems which enable aperson to speak to a visitor at the front door before opening it. Noneof these intercom-type devices, however, has stored messaging that makesthem useful when the resident is away from home or unavailable.Moreover, none of these systems has communication capabilities withremote devices. Thus, they neglect to address many of the problemsassociated with receiving visitors.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,468 “Door answering system”, which issued Sep. 15,1992 to Marrick et al., discloses a door messaging system that recordsmessages from visitors. This device, however, has no intercom capabilityfor permitting the resident to speak with the visitor, nor does it havea screening capability whereby the resident can secretly monitor amessage as it is being left by a visitor. Another disadvantage of thisdevice is that, like many telephone messaging systems, its interactionwith the owner is not intuitive or hands free, and its interaction withthe visitor is limited to a single option. In addition, it istape-based, therefore less robust, and less versatile than digitalsystems, and it requires custom wiring between the interior and exteriorunits.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,300 “Security door phone device”, which issued Apr.12, 1994, to Eckstein, discloses a device that calls a predeterminedtelephone when a visitor arrives at their door, thereby allowingresidents to converse with the visitor via telephone, or allows theirtelephone answering machine to take a message. The answering machine canalso be used to screen visitors just as answering machines are oftenused to screen telephone calls. This device, however, has severaldisadvantages. Because the system relies upon a telephone for theintercom feature, it does not permit the resident to converse with thevisitor while the telephone is in use. In addition, because thetelephone answering machine is used for both telephone and visitormessaging, if the telephone is in use when a visitor arrives, then thevisitor cannot leave a message and the resident can not screen thevisitor. Moreover, since the same machine is used for both phone anddoor answering, the two types of messages can become easily confused.This system is also not self-contained since the messaging feature canonly be performed in combination with a telephone and a telephoneanswering machine. This complication also increases the likelihood thatthe system will malfunction. Additional disadvantages are that thissystem has, like most telephone answering machines, a primitivemessaging system, it lacks interactivity, and it requires custom wiringbetween the interior and exterior units. Most phone messaging deviceshave little or no automated interactivity with the caller or theresident, and have no video capabilities. The flexibility of theirinteraction is limited since only one message is played to a caller andonly one option is given to the caller (i.e., to record a message ornot). Although the resident has more interactivity with the devicethrough the use of several buttons corresponding to different functions,such interaction is not intuitive and often has peculiarities that varyfrom one machine to the next.

In recent years, certain consumer devices have appeared that use speechsynthesis or speech recognition to enhance interactivity with the user.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,618 “Voice Activated, Hands FreeTelephone Answering Device” issued Apr. 11, 1995 to Knuth, et al.,discloses a telephone answering device that is activated by a proximitysensor and whose operation is controlled by simple voice commands by theresident. The device incorporates voice recognition circuitry to respondto spoken commands of the user that are elicited by a system generatedvoice request menu. The telephone-answering device performs all thebasic functions of a telephone answering machine in response to thesesimple commands and there is no need for the user to manually operatethe telephone-answering device. This telephone-answering device,however, is not designed for or capable of addressing the need for adoor messaging and intercom system. Indeed, even if it were used incombination with the telephone intercom device of Eckstein, it still hasserious deficiencies with the intercom and messaging features due to itsreliance on the telephone connection. Moreover, such a combination onlyenhances the interactivity of the resident with the machine, and doesnot enhance the interactivity of the visitor with the machine. Thevisitor is still faced with a primitive messaging system with nointeractivity. No prior art messaging system has flexible and intuitiveinteractivity with the visitor or caller.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,380 is an Interactive Door Answering And MessagingDevice With Speech Synthesis that issued to Mozer on Aug. 12, 1997.Mozer discloses an automatic door answering and message system. Thesystem comprises an interior unit and an exterior unit that communicatevia an RF Link. Further, the system uses voice recognition to interactwith visitors. The system fails to provide a user with the option ofcommunicating through a variety of peripheral devices. Moreover, thesystem fails to provide a centralized control system having a userfriendly application that coordinates the various communicationscenarios commonly availed to a modern user, who has access to an arrayof remote peripheral communication devices (i.e., cell phone, videophones, hand-held computers, PDA's, etc.). The Mozer system also doesnot provide a means to handle the mundane day-to-day interaction withvisitors who have a wide range of technological sophistication.Furthermore, the Mozer system is not intuitive and does not employ bothvideo and audio technology to synergistically personalize messaging andcommunication, while improving security. Still further, the system failsto provide a security alarm option, which signals a pre-determinedaddress of a security breach.

There remains a need, therefore, for a self-contained door communicationand messaging device that has simple and intuitive interactivity withthe visitor, that has messaging capability permitting incoming andoutgoing messages to be easily recorded and played, that permits theresident to screen visitors, that permits the resident to speak withvisitors without opening the door, that does not require wiring from theexterior to the interior, that provides a centralized control systemutilizing a user-friendly application, that provides a means for storingdigital images, that provides enhanced security features, that isrelatively inexpensive, and that is easy to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an audio-video communication and answering system thatsynergistically improves communication between an exterior and aninterior of a business or residence and a remote location, communicationbetween two or more rooms and a remote location, leaving messages at acentralized location from a local or remote location, and as a novelmonitoring system for viewing, listening, and recording from a remotelocation. As will become obvious from the description, the Digital VideoMessaging System (DVMS) is inherently extensible in both form andfunction, and is designed so that it can be expanded to include multipleperipheral devices, both in direct communication with a computerizedcontroller running a graphic user interface DVMS database application,and indirectly through the Internet and the public-switching telephonenetwork (PSTN). Peripheral devices that are in wireless communicationwith the computerized controller via a wireless networking means aredesignated as DVMS modules, as they communicate digitally with eachother and with the computerized controller. A preferred digital wirelesslink employs the 802.11b standard, which operates at 2.4 GHz (UHF) andhas a bandwidth of 11 mbits. The 802.11b standard is the currentstandard for LAN networks, laptops, desktops, personal digitalassistants (PDAs) and pocket personal (PC) computer devices. The 802.11bstandard has the advantage that it is widely accepted and mostobstructions do not impede communication. Even higher wider bandwidthstandards, such as 802.11g, are anticipated in the future. Remoteperipheral devices generally are in communication via establishedinstitutional channels, such as the Internet, satellite systems, PSTN,cell systems, wireless LANs, cable systems, and to a lesser extent,long-wave length systems. Remote peripheral devices are selected fromthe group consisting of cell phones, telephones, video-cell phones,computers, pocket PCs, personal digital assistants, video-personaldigital assistants, satellite telephones, transceivers, pagers, andother analog or digital communication devices.

The centralized controller can be augmented with various switchingdevices to expand and control the peripherals. Many of the disclosedperipherals are commonly housed in a personal computer. Newer PC systemstypically come with a variety of stock audio-video peripherals such as avideo camera and DVD read/write devices, communication devices such astelephone/fax ports, networking ports for hard-wired and wireless LANs,and come with large amounts of fast access memory, such as hard drives,CD-ROM read/write, and RAM. These peripherals are off-the-shelf, and aresuitable for the disclosed system. The disclosed system can beconfigured to accommodate audio-video communication and answeringapplications having a range of complexity.

The basic system is comprised of: a DVMS outside module, (i.e. awireless PC with a video camera), having a means for proximity sensing,a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, adigital receiver, and a keypad; a DVMS inside module, (i.e., wirelesspocket PCs), having a display screen, a microphone, a speaker, a digitaltransmitter, a digital receiver, and a keypad; a computerized controller(i.e. a wireless desktop or laptop) with a graphic user interface DVMSdatabase application, wherein the computerized controller has componentsfor playing and recording video and audio media; and a means forwireless networking (i.e., a wireless modem, which may be a component ofthe computerized controller), wherein the means for wireless networkingenables communication between the DVMS outside module, the DVMS insidemodule, and the computerized controller. The system can furthermore becomprised of an auxilIary recording means for recording video and audiomedia; a speaker; and a remote peripheral device, such as a cell phonehaving software that supports the 802.11b standard platform. The DVMSdatabase application coordinates the multiple communication devices, andit is used to define responses to prompts and events.

The DVMS outside module preferably also has a display screen that is aLCD screen. The keypad can be a LCD touch screen or a keyboard. The DVMSoutside module is preferably secured with a locking mechanism, such as aholster. The DVMS outside module can have an electrical receptacle thatenables it to be quickly attached to an electrical source. There can bemultiple DVMS outside modules.

The DVMS inside module preferably has a display screen that is a LCDscreen. As mentioned previously, the DVMS inside module, the DVMSoutside module, the controller and the wireless networking means alloperate using the 802.11b standard. There can be multiple DVMS insidemodules.

The display screen on the DVMS inside module and the DVMS outside modulepreferably has a low energy screen like a LCD screen, which is anadvantageous feature, in that besides reducing energy consumption, itenables text messaging. Text messaging allows one to communicate with avisitor privately.

In systems that are principally going to be used to control access tothe premises, then the system also includes an electronically actuatedlock, which can be unlocked by the computerized controller.

It is anticipated that in certain deployments of the invention thatvoice recognition would be useful, particularly when the system enablesaccess to the premises. Voice recognition adds another layer ofsecurity, and can be used to facilitate those individuals who are unableto press a keypad. Similarly, as the base system records video imagerecognition of faces, eyes and fingerprints can also be included in thesystem.

Commonly, prompts are generated either as a stored audio message or byvoice synthesis. The audio-video communication and answering system canuse either mechanism to generate the prompts, and the system can beconfigured accordingly. Voice synthesis is slightly faster and morereliable and has recognized advantages at a small incremental cost.

The computerized controller of the audio-video communication andanswering system preferably has a battery backup, and a means fordetecting a loss in electrical power. Thereby, when power is lost therewill be sufficient time to notify those responsible for the maintenanceof the system that there has been a loss of electricity. There are acouple of reasons that make this a particularly important feature. Ifthere is no power, then it is possible that there has been a break in.In addition, if there is no power then other appliances, such asrefrigerators, air conditioners, and heaters cannot function, and whenthey do not work, significant damage often results when their failuregoes undetected for a sustained period of time.

The database application is administered by the administrator, whodefines the users, who in the case of the instant invention are calledoccupants, reflecting their status on the premises. The occupants havevarious levels of access to the database, depending on the privilegesset by the administrator. Other examples of settings determined by theadministrator are aliases for a declared occupant, whom may also beknown as (i.e., “Daddy” or “Momma”); passwords to access the database;access codes to actuate a lock; a number that corresponds to anoccupant's name; and at least one telephone number where an occupant canbe reached. Voice, text, and video messages may also be sent via email,and the administrator can set up redundant systems. Further, theadministrator can use default prompts for interacting with a visitor, orhe can create his own. The administrator chooses a prompt for greeting avisitor; an announcement that is to be given over the speaker when avisitor arrives; a prompt for requesting information from a visitor; arequest instructing a visitor as to their choices in leaving a messageor contacting a declared user; and the action that is to be initiated bythe system based on the input by the visitor. The invention can beconfigured to play background music or videos at different times of theyear, and/or different times of the day to reflect seasonal holidays,birthdays, and events. For instance, on Halloween the administrator maywish to have scary music and howls issuing from the DVMS outside module.The administrator can tailor the security/premise monitoring response todesignate the telephone numbers that are to be called when there is aloss of power; emergency numbers that are to be automatically called(i.e., the police, the fire department, relatives, private securitycompanies), and a log of self checks to confirm that all the componentsof the system are operational. Also, depending on the size of the systemthe administrator may wish to set the level of security that the systemis to operate under, particularly with respect to via the dedicateddigital communication channel (i.e., the Internet and the Grid). Ashardware is added, such as the number of the DVMS outside modules andDVMS inside modules, the wireless network should be updated. Also, theadministrator can define the preferred hierarchy of storage of audio andvideo data, the location and number of backup devices, and whetherreplications of the database are to be kept.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofaudio-video communication and answering systems now present in the priorart, the present invention provides an improved system. As such, thegeneral purpose of the present invention, which will be described,subsequently, in greater detail is to provide a new and improved system,which has the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the detailed construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following descriptionillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

The invention is a method for audio-video greeting and communicatingwith visitors of a business or residence. The method is comprised of:detecting the presence of a visitor via the means for proximity sensingof the DVMS outside module, where the DVMS outside module is mounted ator near an entrance to the business or residence, wherein upon detectionthe computerized controller is signaled that a visitor is present. Thecomputerized controller records the video image of the visitor, eitheras a continuous medium or a series of snapshots, and stores therecording in the database along with a beginning time-stamp. The arrivalof a visitor is broadcast over the DVMS inside module and optionallyover a speaker within the premises. An occupant can view the visitor atthe DVMS inside module or on the computerized controller displaymonitor, and initiate, a conversation at any time. The DVMS outsidemodule issues a greeting to the visitor, and instructs the visitor toselect a number from the keypad, which designates whom they wish tovisit. The entered number is transmitting from the DVMS outside moduleto the GUI database application, where the application confirms that thenumber corresponds to an occupant “y”, who is “officially” present. Anerror message is generated if no individual corresponds to the numberentered. While this is going on, the door may be answered at any time,thereby resetting the application to look for another visitor. Theapplication keeps track of the number of times a wrong number is enteredand can generate a variety of responses to pranks, including calling thepolice, issuing warnings and/or a loud noise, or just thanking thevisitor and asking him to return another time. If no one corresponds tothe number, the visitor is prompted to select and press another numberon the keypad, designating whom he or she wish to visit. The method thenre-lists the choices. If appropriate, when the number matches anoccupant who is on the premises, the speaker broadcasts over the DVMSinside module and optionally over the speaker that the visitor is hereto see occupant “y”. Occupant “y” can signal the computerized controllerto take a message, or occupant “y” may choose to use the DVMS insidemodule to speak directly with the visitor, or occupant “y” can answerthe door. If appropriate, the DVMS outside module issues a promptstating that occupant “y” is not available and asks the visitor if theywish to speak to occupant “y” or to leave a message. If appropriate, atany time the application can initiate a call to occupant “y”, and thecomputerized controller can record both sides of the conversation. Whena call is made to any remote peripheral device, such as cell phonehaving software that supports the 802.11b standard, the dial tones aremuted so that a visitor cannot record the tones. A visitor never knowswhere the occupant is, unless the occupant tells the visitor. A visitornever knows how the occupant can be contacted, or whether the occupanthas just instructed the application to take a message. If the visitorhas elected to leave a message then the method prompts the visitor tobegin his message and then, optionally, offers him a chance to reviewand approve his message. The message or call is stored in the databasewith a beginning timestamp and an ending timestamp, along with theoccupant's mailbox number. At the end of the call or message, theapplication can issue a closing statement and return to backgroundmusic, if programmed to do so. When the visitor departs, and is out ofthe range of the means for proximity sensing, all recording is stoppedand saved in the database record, along with an ending timestamp. Theoccupant “y” can selectively sort to view the entire recorded visit, orjust the message. If the means for proximity sensing indicates thatthere is another visitor, the method cycles back to the greeting step.

Using the method, the conversation or messages can be relayed to theselected occupant, without the visitor ever knowing where the occupantis. Only the occupant can disclose his location to the visitor.

If the system has an electronically actuated lock, then the method canalso be comprised of the steps of: checking the number entered by thevisitor to determine if it is a valid access code. If the number isvalid then actuating the lock, and if the number is not valid, promptingthe visitor to re-enter the code, or if assistance is needed to enter anumber that corresponds to one of the occupants. If an occupant isselected, calling the selected occupant. The occupant has the option ofremotely entering the access code, therein actuating the electronicallyactuated lock, or instructing the GUI database application to go to anew high security level, wherein the lock cannot be accessed andnotifying the visitor that the access code is not operational. If thevisitor enters an access code, checking the code, and tracking how manytimes the wrong code is entered. Checking the database application ifthe maximum allowed number of wrong entries have been made. When themaximum number of entries is reached, either automatically calling adesignated party and/or removing access privileges. Looping back to thefirst step.

The method can also include the option that upon entering a valid accesscode assigned to a declared occupant, that the application notifies theadministrator or his designated representative that the declaredoccupant has now entered the premises of the business or residence. (Theadministrator would know who the individual should be. The administratorcan confirm, by remotely viewing the recorded video, that the actualperson who entered the access code is the declared occupant.) If theperson entering is not the declared occupant then the administrator cannotify the appropriate authorities, and if the person entering is thedeclared occupant then the administrator knows that the declaredoccupant, such as a child, is safely inside.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which the disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions in so far as they do not depart from the spirit and scopeof the present invention

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide anaudio-video communication and answering system that can be used as adoor answering system.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved dooranswering system which provides the option of having a visitor conversewith an occupant, leave a message, or contact a remote device forcommunication with the occupant.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anaudio-video communication and answering system, which upon sensing thata visitor is proximate, to digitally record the visitor. The recordingcan be viewed in real time, or at a later time, either locally orremotely.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anaudio-video communication and answering system that is simple to operateby both the occupant and the visitor.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide animproved door answering system which activates an alarm and or initiatescalls to designated institutions and individuals when there is asecurity breach.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide animproved door answering system, which allows the administrator or hisdesignated representative to remotely permit entrance to a building.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anaudio-video greeting and communicating system that can be tailored toreflect holidays, special occasions, and various levels of security.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an audio-videogreeting and communicating system that can be configured to contact theadministrator or his designated representatives when there is a loss ofelectrical power.

These together with other objects of the present invention, along withvarious features of novelty, which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims and form part of thedisclosure. For better understanding of the invention, its operatingadvantages, and the specific objects obtained by its uses, reference tothe accompanying drawings and descriptive manner should be made, whichare illustrative of preferred embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forthmore particularly in the remainder of the specification, includingreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the illustrated embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a planar view of the DVMS outside module.

FIG. 3 is a planar view of the DVMS inside module.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram overview of the method wherein the audio-videocommunication and answering system is employed as a door answering andmessaging system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram extension of the method described in FIG. 4wherein, additionally, there is an electronically actuated lock.

It is to be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative of theinvention and are not meant to limit the claims. Various modificationsand additions may be made to the apparatus by those skilled in the art,without the parting of the spirit and scope of this invention, which istherefore understood to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims. Further, the same reference numerals refer to the same partsthroughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

The major components of the audio-video communication and answeringsystem 100 are schematically shown in FIG. 1. The exterior of a premisesis differentiated from the interior by a demarcation line 214, whichrepresents a wall or other similar structure. The wall 214 has a door114 and an electronically actuated lock 116. On the exterior is a DVMSoutside module 10, which is a wireless pocket PC using the MicrosoftWindows® Mobile (802.11b standard) operating system that is incommunication with a wireless RF router 42 that is located in theinterior. The DVMS outside module 10 has a video camera, a means forproximity sensing, and the conventional components that are now standardwith a wireless pocket PC. The means for proximity sensing can be adedicated proximity sensor or a video software application that analyzesthe image for movement. The wireless router 42 is connected to theInternet via DSL, cable, satellite, or through a wireless network. It isanticipated that there could be multiple entrances to the premises andmultiple DVMS outside modules. The wireless RF router 42, as shown inFIG. 1, is separate from the computerized controller, which is apersonal computer 80, however, the RF router could be an internalcomponent of the personal computer 80. The computerized controller 80,as shown, is connected to the PSTN for making automated calls. Thepreferred personal computer is a laptop as it is easier to install andhas a smaller footprint than a desktop. The 802.11b standard utilizesthe ISM radio band (e.g., industrial, scientific, and medical band),where the waves can pass through doors, walls and floors. The laptop isin electronic communication with remote peripheral devices selected fromthe group consisting of cell phones, telephones, video-cell phones,computers, pocket PCs, personal digital assistants, video-personaldigital assistants, satellite telephones, transceivers, pagers, anddigital communication devices. Portable peripheral devices are, forexample, cell phones, wireless pocket PCs, and other wireless computers,all of which share the common feature that they communicate overcellular telephone systems or wireless LANs. All of the remoteperipheral devices have the capability to send and receive digital audioand digital video communication using the 802.11b standard platform.Hard-wired remote peripheral devices communicate with the personalcomputer over the Internet, either by DSL or cable. The remoteperipheral devices are used to receive and convey messages to the DVMSoutside modules, as well as to communicate with the personal computer80. Also in the wireless system is at least one DVMS inside module 60,which is a wireless pocket PC using the Microsoft Windows® Mobile(802.11b standard) operating system. Two are shown, but obviously therecould be less or more. A speaker 44 is in communication with thepersonal computer 80. The speaker 44 is not shown as wireless, but couldbe. One is shown, but obviously there could be more. A DVMS DatabaseApplication 82 is running on the computerized controller 80. The DVMSDatabase Application of the system controls the audio-video componentsof the personal computer, and they often include a DVD-R/W 84, a CD-ROMR/W 92, and a hard drive 86. Depending on the owner's preference, thereis no critical need for the DVD 84 nor for the write functionality ofthe CD-ROM 92, however, as a large hard drive will suffice. Typically,these components are housed in the PC, but for clarity they have beenshown outside, connected to a switch 88. Depending on the switch 88,additional audio-video storage devices can be used. No inside camera isshown, as it is not critical to the system, but obviously any number ofcameras could also be employed on the interior. Also shown is a voicegenerator 90, and this is used to generate the prompts, which eitherexists as pre-recorded messages, or are generated by a voicesynthesizer. The personal computer, as previously stated, is connectedto the Internet. The connection can be by satellite, DSL, or cablemodems. An expanded version of the Internet known as the Grid can alsobe accessed. The personal computer 80 can actuate the lock 116. Thepersonal computer, as previously stated, is also connected to the publicswitching telephone network (PSTN), which in turn enables communicationwith any device that connects to it, including GPS navigational systems(i.e., ONSTAR®) 74, Video phones 72, cell phones 76 and PC computers 78,which include the personal digital assistants, PC's, lap tops, etc. Thislast category, in addition to using telephone lines, can alsocommunicate over the Internet. While not explicitly shown, it isanticipated that in addition to voice generation, the application canutilize voice recognition and image recognition, for instance, as isused with fingerprints and eye prints.

The DVMS outside module 10 is shown in FIG. 2. As is readily seen in thefigure, the DVMS outside module is capable of being portable, much likea cell phone. However, there are some important distinctions, the mostnotable being that it communicates by short-range RF using the MicrosoftWindows® Mobile using 802.11b standard platform. The DVMS outside module10 can be securely mounted and quickly connected to an electricalsource. The DVMS outside module is preferably a wireless pocket PCcomprised of: a camera 22, at least one speaker 12, a means forproximity sensing 26, a microphone 20, a LCD display 16, a lockingmechanism 28 for securing the pocket PC, a quick connect electricalreceptacle 24, a DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) combined withFHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) digital receiver/transmitter18, and a keypad 14, where the transmission signal strength is typicallyunder 0.5 watts. The DVMS outside module can, optionally, have a smallportable energy source, such as a battery. The DVMS outside module canbe mounted in a holster (not shown). The LCD display can be used to sendand receive text. Alphanumeric code can be generated by the keypad. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the camera 22 is activated by proximitysensor 26, which in turn relays a series of video snapshots or streamingvideo to the PC 80. The video is recorded/stored in the PC, and thenbroadcast to a DVMS inside module, and when appropriate to a remoteperipheral device. The locking mechanism 28 enables the DVMS outsidemodule to be installed securely wherever holstered, or to be moved tosome other remote location, if desired. Preferably, the DVMS outsidemodule is connected to an electrical supply having a battery backup.

Referring to FIG. 3, the DVMS inside module 60 is portable and has manyof the same components as the DVMS outside module 10. Like the DVMSoutside module, it communicates by short-range RF using the 802.11bstandard platform. Unlike the DVMS outside module, the DVMS insidemodule does not have weather resistance, as it is used in the interior.It is a pocket PC comprised of: at least one speaker 62, a microphone50, a LCD display 66, a quick connect electrical receptacle 65 forcharging, a DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) combined with FHSS(Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) digital receiver/transmitter 68, anda keypad 64. The LCD display 66 can be used to send and receive text.Alphanumeric code can be generated by the keypad 66. In a preferredembodiment the DVMS inside module has a mute switch 61, which cuts offthe microphone 63, thus assuring the user that if he wishes he can justmonitor a video without ever accidentally sending an audible signal.

Referring to FIG. 4, which is a block diagram of the method wherein theaudio-video communication and answering system is employed as a dooranswering and messaging system. The block diagram takes the readerthrough a typical scenario when the invention is deployed at aresidence.

Referring to FIG. 5, which is a block diagram extension of the methoddescribed in FIG. 4 wherein, additionally, there is an electronicallyactuated lock. In the given scenario, one of the occupants is attemptingto gain access to the premises. The block diagram walks the readerthrough the DVMS database application method.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto, withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative, rather than a restrictive sense. It is the intention tocover these and any other changes or modifications to the disclosedembodiments, which are encompassed by the claims appended hereto.

SUMMARY OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it is readily apparent that we have invented animproved audio-video greeting and communicating system that can bedeployed as a door answering system.

The system provides the options of allowing the visitor to converse withthe occupant, leaving a message, or calling a remote peripheral devicefor communication with the occupant when he is either not present orunavailable. The visit is recorded and time stamped for sorting orviewing either in real time or at a later date. The system achievesthese features, while still presenting a system that is intuitive andeasy to use. The system further enables an electronically actuated lockto be accessed by entering an access code, either with the DVMS moduleor remotely. A unique feature of the system is that when electricalpower is lost, the system can be configured to call the administrator,or his designated representative, alerting him of the problem. Theaudio-video greeting and communicating system has esoteric features notfound in the prior art, such as the flexibility to change a greeting, orprompt to reflect holidays and special occasions. The system canincorporate music or sounds not found with answering systems, or evenplay images in the case where the DVMS module has an LCD display.Finally, the system allows the occupants to achieve a higher level ofsecurity and anonymity, if so desired.

The invention enables the administrator or a declared occupant at anytime to turn on the camera(s) and view the image(s), access the recordedvideo images, or post a video image from his remote peripheral device tothe video recorder.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and specificembodiments are merely illustrative of the best mode of the inventionand the principles thereof, and that various modifications and additionsmay be made to the apparatus by those skilled in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this invention, which istherefore understood to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. An audio-video communication and answering system that enablesdigital video messaging, said system comprising: a) at least onewireless DVMS outside module having a means for proximity sensing, avideo camera, a microphone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, a digitalreceiver, and a keypad; b) a computerized controller, wherein thecomputerized controller has components for playing and recording videoand audio media; c) at least one wireless DVMS inside module having ascreen, a microphone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, a digitalreceiver, and a keypad wherein the DVMS database application is agraphic user interface that enables the coordination of multiplecommunication devices and user defined responses to prompts and events.2. The audio-video communication and answering system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the DVMS outside module is a pocket PC.
 3. Theaudio-video communication and answering system as claimed in claim 1,wherein the system is further comprised of an electronic connection tothe public switching telephone network.
 4. The audio-video communicationand answering system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the DVMS outsidemodule keypad is a touch screen.
 5. The audio-video communication andanswering system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the DVMS outside moduleis portable, has a locking mechanism, and an electrical receptacle forquickly attaching to a source of electricity.
 6. The audio-videocommunication and answering system as claimed in claim 5, wherein theportable DVMS outside module has a portable energy source and is securedin a holster.
 7. An audio-video communication and answering systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the system is a wireless network operatingon the 802.11b standard wireless digital platform.
 8. An audio-videocommunication and answering system according to claim 7, wherein thecomputerized controller is a personal computer.
 9. An audio-videocommunication and answering system according to claim 3, wherein thesystem is connected to a digital communication channel selected from thegroup consisting of DSL, satellite, cable, wireless, and a combinationthereof, where the digital communication channel can periodically beconnected to the Internet, the Grid, satellite systems, and otherinformation sharing systems.
 10. The audio-video communication andanswering system according to claim 9, wherein said system is furthercomprised of remote peripheral devices selected from the groupconsisting of cell phones, telephones, video-cell phones, computers,personal digital assistants, video-personal digital assistants,satellite telephones, transceivers, pagers, and other digitalcommunication devices.
 11. An audio-video communication and answeringsystem according to claim 10, wherein the system is further comprised ofan electronically actuated lock, which can be unlocked by thecomputerized controller.
 12. An audio-video communication and answeringsystem according to claim 11, wherein the system is further comprised ofa voice-generation apparatus.
 13. An audio-video communication andanswering system according to claim 12, wherein the system is furthercomprised of a battery backup.
 14. An audio-video communication andanswering system according to claim 13, wherein the system is furthercomprised of a means to detect a loss in electrical power, and to send amessage to at least one remote peripheral device that there has been aloss of electrical power.
 15. The audio-video communication andanswering system according to claim 14, wherein the graphic userinterface DVMS database application has at least one declared occupantand an administrator in the database, wherein the administrator can be adeclared occupant, wherein a declared occupant is a named individualwho, at the discretion of the administrator, has privileges to actuatethe lock by entering an access code into the DVMS outside module. 16.The audio-video communication and answering system according to claim15, wherein the administrator inputs control settings into the database,wherein control settings at least include the telephone numbers that areto be called when there is a loss of power; a list of declaredoccupants; alias names of declared occupants; one or more telephonenumbers and messages addresses for the declared occupant; emergencynumbers that are to be automatically called, such as the police, thefire department, relatives, private security companies; passwords foraccess to the database; privilege levels of the declared occupants,access codes for actuating the lock; the maximum number of wrong accesscode entries, before access is denied and the administrator or hisdesignated representative is notified; either a default or a customizedprompt for greeting a visitor; an announcement that is to be given overthe speaker when a visitor arrives; a prompt for requesting informationfrom a visitor; a request instructing a visitor as to their choices inleaving a message, or contacting the declared occupant; the action thatis to be initiated by the system based on the input by the visitor;selection background music or videos that are to be played at aparticular time and date; the level of security that the system is tooperate under; the hierarchy of storage of audio and video data;location and number of backup devices and replications of the database;the number and network designation of the DVMS modules and DVMStransceivers; and a log of self-checks to confirm that all thecomponents of the system are operational.
 17. An audio-videocommunication and answering system according to claim 16, furthercomprising a voice recognition system.
 18. The audio-video communicationand answering system according to claim 7, wherein the DVMS insidemodule is a pocket PC.
 19. The audio-video communication and answeringsystem according to claim 8, wherein the personal computer has a videocamera.
 20. The audio-video communication and answering system accordingto claim 8, wherein the personal computer controls at least oneadditional storage device selected from the group consisting of a CD-ROMR/W, a DVD R/W, a camera card, a tape drive, and a hard drive.
 21. Anaudio-video communication and answering system according to claim 15,wherein a communication interface is further provided for communicatingwith an alarm at a remote location to signal that there has bee asecurity breach of the lock.
 22. The audio-video communication andanswering system according to claim 12, wherein the voice generationapparatus is a voice synthesizer.
 23. An audio-video communication andanswering system according to claim 11, wherein the system is furthercomprised of a voice recognition module.
 24. An audio-videocommunication and answering system according to claim 11, wherein thesystem is further comprised of an image recognition module.
 25. A methodfor audio-video greeting and communicating with visitors at a businessor residence, wherein said method utilizes at least one DVMS outsidemodule having a means for proximity sensing, a video camera, amicrophone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, a digital receiver, and akeypad; a computerized controller, wherein the computerized controllerhas components for playing and recording video and audio media; at leastone wireless DVMS inside module having a screen, a microphone, aspeaker, a digital transmitter, a digital receiver, and a keypad; atleast one wireless DVMS inside module having a screen, a microphone, aspeaker, a digital transmitter, a digital receiver, and a keypad; ameans for wireless networking, wherein said wireless networking meansfacilitates digital communication amongst the DVMS outside module, theDVMS inside module, and the computerized controller; and a DVMS databaseapplication; said method comprising: a) detecting the presence of avisitor via the proximity sensing means of the DVMS outside module,where the DVMS outside module is mounted at or near an entrance to thebusiness or residence, wherein upon detection the computerizedcontroller is signaled that a visitor is present; b) actuating thecomponents for playing and recording video and audio media, and saving arecording in a location in the database with a beginning time-stamp; c)broadcasting over the wireless networking means that a visitor ispresent; d) issuing a greeting to the visitor, and asking the visitor todesignate whom they wish to visit by entering a number; e) using thekeypad entering the corresponding number, where the number canoptionally be confidential or displayed in a list; f) transmitting theentered number from the DVMS outside module keypad to the GUI databaseapplication; g) checking the number against the database to see if theoccupant “y” is “officially” present, or the occupant is “officially”not present, or no individual corresponds to the number entered, or thedoor is answered, wherein at any time if an occupant is present he canelect to either monitor the visitor or communicate via the computerizedcontroller or a DVMS transceiver; h) if appropriate, counting the numberof times the wrong number has been entered, and if the number is themaximum number, then issuing a statement to please come by at anothertime; i) if appropriate, notifying the visitor that no one correspondsto that number, then asking the visitor to select by a number using thekeypad designating who they wish to visit, and re-listing the choices,and then going to step (e); j) if appropriate, broadcasting that thevisitor is here to see occupant “y”, wherein occupant “y” can signal thecomputerized controller to take a message, or occupant “y” can use theDVMS inside module to speak directly with the visitor, or occupant “y”can answer the door; k) if appropriate, issuing a prompt stating thatoccupant “y” is not available and asking the visitor if they wish totalk to occupant “y” or to leave a message; l) if appropriate,initiating a call to occupant “y”; m) if appropriate, asking the visitorto begin his message and then optionally offering him a chance to reviewand approve his message; n) attaching a message beginning with atimestamp and an occupant mailbox designation in the database; o) timestamping the end of message; p) if appropriate, issuing a closingstatement; q) when the visitor has finished his message and is out ofthe range of the proximity sensing means, stopping all recording andtime stamping the end of the record, wherein the occupant “y” can,remotely or locally, selectively sort and view the entire recorded visitor just the message; and r) if appropriate, if the proximity sensorindicates that there is still a visitor going to step (b).
 26. A methodfor audio-video greeting and communicating with visitors of a businessor residence according to claim 25, wherein said method further utilizesan electronically actuated lock, said method further comprising: e.1)upon a visitor entering an access code into the DVMS outside module,checking the database to confirm that the access code is correct andactuating the lock, or if incorrect; e.2) prompting the visitor tore-enter the code, or if assistance is needed entering a number thatcorresponds to one of the occupants; e.3) if appropriate going to step(e.1); or going to step (g).
 27. A method for audio-video greeting andcommunicating with visitors of a business or residence according toclaim 26, said method further comprising: e.4) upon entrance of thevisitor entering an access code into the DVMS outside module thatcorresponds to the access code assigned to a declared occupant,notifying the administrator or his representative that the declaredoccupant has now entered the premises the business or residence.
 28. Amethod for audio-video greeting and communicating with visitors of abusiness or residence according to claim 26, wherein the administratoror his representatives can remotely monitor or review the visitorentering the access code.
 29. A method for audio-video greeting andcommunicating with visitors of a business or residence according toclaim 26, wherein a maximum number of wrong entries of the access codeautomatically actuates a call to the administrator or hisrepresentatives, and/or shuts down access to the premises.
 30. Theaudio-video communication and answering system according to claim 1,wherein an administrator or a declared occupant of the system can at anytime turn on the camera(s) and view the image(s), access the recordedvideo images, or post a video image from his remote peripheral device tothe video recorder component.